The City of Kelowna has been recognized for its contributions to building resilience to wildfires through the FireSmart program.

At the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) on Wednesday (Sep. 20), the city received the 2023 Climate and Energy Action Award in the Community Planning and Development category.

The award from the Community Energy Association highlights the city害羞草研究所檚 community chipping program.

Mayor Tom Dyas said it was gratifying to receive the award.

害羞草研究所淥ur Council continues to look at ways we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change, which we have experienced at an unprecedented level this summer in British Columbia.害羞草研究所�

The city has offered free curbside removal and chipping of flammable plant and shrub materials for the past two years to reduce the risk of wildfire on private properties.

Award judges were impressed with Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 inter-departmental collaboration and quality of engagement with the community, and that the program could be replicated in other communities.

害羞草研究所淚 would like to thank our staff and the community for their efforts in making Kelowna a more resilient community especially as related to mitigating the risk of interface fires,害羞草研究所� Dyas added.

Climate resiliency is built into the city害羞草研究所檚 Official Community Plan, providing policy direction and describing the work underway in Kelowna to mitigate short and long-term climate risks.

READ MORE: McDougall Creek wildfire in West Kelowna now being held

READ MORE: West Kelowna fire chief害羞草研究所檚 harrowing tale opens eyes at United Nations